An 8.0-magnitude earthquake struck northern Peru early on Sunday at a depth of just over 100 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey, killing 1 person and injuring 11 more.
The quake struck about 75 kilometers south of Lagunas, damaging homes, schools and hospitals. Power cuts were reported in the Loreto region following the tremor.
President of Peru Martín Vizcarra said in a tweet that an assessment of the affected areas is underway and urged people to remain calm. He told the press the earthquake was the most severe to hit the country since 2007.
Local disaster management authorities are reminding people to be prepared for serious earthquakes by keeping emergency supplies on hand and having family drills.
The powerful quake was reportedly felt as far away as Bogota, Colombia and in neighboring Ecuador.
Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!